Quadricep isolation exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

This exercise apparatus was developed in order to permit exercise of the upper legs—quadricep group of muscles—from a number of seated conventional locations such as typical chairs, etc. The apparatus user would sit in a chair, unfold the device (sheet  6 ), engage it as illustrated in sheet  7,  and initiate the exercise routine by setting the resistance as noted on elastic rings (10-15-20-lbs—or ring clustered up to 100 lbs). The user would then extend the legs through a tolerable range of motion up to 90 degrees for multiple repetitions 20 to 50 for aerobics (light resistance) or 8 to 15 for heavy resistance. There would be low to no joint impact if the device is used correctly with smooth movement and reasonable rest between sets of repetitions. The device will fold completely and is light weight enough to be easily portable. Typical quadricep machines utilize weights on sliding tracks which are bolted to large steel frames. Resistance changes require movement to the weight rack. These devices are clearly not portable except within limits and with the use of assistance of other persons and sometimes equipment. Other leg exercise devices which may employ elastic resistance also require heavy steel frame work and are designed to provide a number of different leg exercise routines without specific primary focus on the quadricep muscles in isolation from the significant use of other leg muscles such as the gluteus group and bicep femorus as would occur with the leg press.

[0001] I am presenting an application for a patent on the device titled above. I am not affiliated with a company. The design and construction of the device to be discussed is my own with no contributing individuals or co-designers

[0002] The device is designed to exercise the quadriceps muscles of the human leg as a primary target. It is portable. It may be used while sitting in almost any conventional chair. Resistance is provided by stretching elastic rings between two posts by extending the legs. The current model is constructed of fiberglass stainless steel fittings.

[0003] My format for presenting my apparatus will include references to a number of drawings designated as sheets 1-2-3-etc. The first few sheets identify all of the components. There is one drawing devoted to an explanation of how to how the device will function.

[0004] The device was designed to provide specific exercise of the quadriceps muscles as a primary focus and with zero impact. It permits the user to exercise this group of muscles in a fairly complete range of motion—from a flex of 90 degrees or slightly more, depending on the pin setting. There is no jarring during its use in terms of impact on the knee joint. There is no direct pressure-vertical-on the knee joint. It is designed to be utilized by individuals who may not be ambulatory because of chronically weak leg muscles. The foundation arm may be positioned such that the device can be set up while a person is confined to bed recovering from an illness or accident where measured resistance is essential to decisions as to when ambulation efforts would be safe.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION

[0005] Sheets 2 and 3 illustrate the components of this device. Component (M) consists of two handle grips over an aluminum tube. The aluminum tube is attached to the stabilization arm. This arm swings out from the containment area in the device to any position considered comfortable by the user to ensure that the top and bottom of the device remain stable. The stabilization arm is located between the two static arms (E). The two static arms are positioned between the wings of the pivot arm (D) sheet 3. Passing through the two static arms is a ¾ inch diameter aluminum rod upon which foam rubber knee support pads rotate. Attached to the pivot arm (bottom portion) is a ¾ inch dia. aluminum rod upon which foam rollers rotate for ankle support. Hinged to the pivot arm is the elastic resistance failure safety cover. This component is designed to resist elastic resistance which may break away from one of two anchor arms as illustrated in sheet 4. Passing through both static arms is a stainless-steel pin with a bronze sleeve which is rolling base for the elastic resistance (sheets 2 and 4). Located on the pivot arm are 2 stainless steel pins with bronze sleeves to provide rolling surfaces for elastic resistance which is anchored on the top and bottom anchors (sheet 4).

[0006] Sheet 3 illustrates a right hand view from the back of the device. The foundation arm (Q) is attached to the static arms with a stainless steel shaft. The foundation arm may be adjusted to various positions with the lockout pin (O).

[0007] Sheet 4 illustrates how the resistance functions. The elastic resistance is attached to (C)-bottom anchor arm, guided over the bottom bronze sleeved elastic roller pin-pivot arm (F), down to the static arm bronze sleeved elastic roller pin (I), and to the top bronze sleeved elastic roller pin-pivot arm (G) and then attached to the upper anchor arm (A). As the pivot arm is moved away from the static arm the elastic resistance rolls over the bronze sleeved roller pins and stretches in order to provide resistance. Multiple bands may be placed within the designated points to provide greater resistance. 1

UTILIZATION DESCRIPTION OF THE QUADRICEP MACHINE

[0008] Sheet 5 illustrates the appearance of the machine from the left side. The machine is symmetrical in its components. Sheet 6 illustrates an individual in a sitting position opening the machine out from its closed position as indicated in sheet 1. The individual has gripped the two handles. On the top of the machine is an optional handle for toting. The individual will slide the machine back between the legs as they sit on a chair after he has inserted the lockout pin to maintain the foundation arm in the desired position. The individual will place each leg over the roller padded knee supports on both sides and feet under the roller padded ankle supports on each side.

[0009] Sheet 7 illustrates the action involved during the exercise. The individual raises the pivot arm away from the static arms by extending their legs and thus stretching the elastic resistance in the process. The stabilization arm is held firmly at a recommended position parallel to the floor or possibly higher. The individual slowly moves the pivot arm through a 90 degree range of motion away from the static arms and foundation arm.

[0010] The individual disengages from the device after each set. This is accomplished by swinging the ankles from the ankle pads and lifting the knees off the knee support pads while maintaining a grip on the handles attached to the stabilization arm.

[0011] As the individual exercises he will note a primary contraction occurring in the distal third of the quadriceps group of muscles and eventually the entire length of the group. The biceps femoris will also contract as well as the tibialis anterior. Other muscle contractions will also be noted.

[0012] Upon completion of the desired amount of exercise, the individual will fold up the apparatus as indicated in sheet 1. 

1) I claim that this portable exercise apparatus will allow the user to exercise the quadricep muscles of the thigh in a low to no impact fashion from a variety of locations such as the typical couch, chair (sheet 7 illustration), or bed (in non-ambulatory situations) through the process of extending the legs and stretching variable resistance provided by elastic rings. 2) I claim that the resistance may be changed relative to the exercise intensity (aerobic or strength building) without the user disengaging from the apparatus during the course of the exercise routine by way of adding or removing resistance bands to anchors A and C as illustrated in the drawing designated as sheet
 4. 